To create it’s new “I-Hub at the Fair” exhibit, the Erie County Fair has enlisted the support of Western New York State‘s leading science, technology, engineer and mathematic (STEM) companies and organizations. During the 12-days of the Fair, various I-Hub at the Fair partners will provide daily demonstrations, interactive displays and hands-on activities. 2018 partners include:
Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance: Established in 2010, the Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance (BNMA) is the region’s largest non-profit organization representing area manufacturers. A number of BNMA members including the Buffalo Manufacturing Works, National Grid and Moog will provide displays during the course of the Fair.
Northland Workforce Training: Part of New York State’s “Buffalo Billion” investment, the center will serve as a new hub which will focus primarily on training for careers in the advanced manufacturing and energy sectors. Northland will coordinate interactive labs that will include an Interactive Welding Simulator & CNC Lathe. In addition Northland will provide a Mechanical Advantage Lab, which will allow participants to build basic machines using pullies, levers, and gear systems. Companies partnered with Northland that will help support this space are; Haun Welding, NYMAT, Oeticker, Keller Technology, Hebeler Corp, Moog, Air Sep, & Staub
WNY Stem: The region’s leading non-for-profit whose goal is to bring together Western New Yorkers to advance the interdisciplinary teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.
EagleHawk LLC: EagleHawk is a drone technology company based in Buffalo. EagleHawk will be engaging fair goers during iHub with a variety of drone activities! These activities include drone simulators where fair goers get a chance at the controls and get first person views from high above the fair with an EagleHawk drone pilot. EagleHawk will also provide flight demonstrations and education on different types of drone platforms. Smaller toy drones will also be available for visitors to fly with EagleHawk.
Girl Scouts of Western New York: The preeminent leadership development organization for girls will offer interactive STEM based activities as well as be on hand to provide information on how to join.
Praxair: Buffalo’s Praxair develops technology, products and services to help sustain and protect the planet. The company’s STEAM Team will be on hand with cryogenic liquids and air experiments. Fairgoers be able to watch how cryogenic liquids change the properties of everyday items such as balloons and flowers.
SomaDetect: Founded in 2016, provides farmers with information they want and need in formats that are easy to use. Dairy farmers can gain access to real time analytics of milk quality and herd health indicators from every cow at every milking through SomaDetect technology. SomaDetect was the winner of the $1 million grand prize in the 2017 43North business plan competition.
University at Buffalo GEM: The UB GEM Community of Excellence focuses on advancing genome science to help give people the tools necessary to understand personal health issues. GEM has an expanded understanding of the genome, microbiome and environmental factors to revolutionize the emerging field of personalized medicine. GEM will provide activity involving Mircobiomes or DNA with the help of a few of her students.
UB Society for Automotive Engineers: The UB Society for Automotive Engineers is organized to train students in hands-on engineering and design skills. The SAE student chapter forms teams to work on projects that participate in national competitions focused on Formula Car, Go-Karts and more.
NanoSat: A student research lab at the University at Buffalo under the direction of Dr. John Crassidis. This group of students works with the Air Force Research Lab, NASA, and Moog, Inc. to build satellites from concept to launch.
First Robotics: Founded in 1989 First Robotics is a not-for-profit public charity designed to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology, and to motivate them to pursue education and career opportunities in STEM fields. First will demonstrate competition style robots as well as allow fairgoers to experience this technology up-close and personal.
New York State Power Authority: Get a hair-raising experience at the New York Power Authority booth. Watch a short film to learn about the Niagara Power Vista and its recently updated exhibit space featuring a simulated ride, interactive game challenges and photo opportunities using the RFID Power Player badge; learn about NYPA’s free community events, onsite Power Vista programs and more.
Staub Precision Machine: Located in the Village of Hamburg, Staub Precision Machine operates as a production shop, machining component parts for manufacturers across the country. Staub’s “ketchup dispensing robot” will be on display at Jim’s French Fries concession stand.
The “I-Hub at the Fair” is sponsored by Bunzl and L. A. Wooley Electric Inc.